Overview

This bill amends the Marriage Act 1949 to allow authorized belief organizations, beginning with the British Humanist Association, to officiate marriages. These ceremonies must be non-religious and conducted according to the organization's rules, subject to government oversight.

Description

The bill introduces a new section (47A) to the Marriage Act 1949, enabling authorized belief organizations to perform marriages. The British Humanist Association is automatically included. The Secretary of State can authorize additional organizations via statutory instrument, requiring parliamentary approval.

Each authorized organization must designate a principal officer to appoint registering officers. These appointments must be certified to the Registrar General. Marriages must be conducted with open doors, in the presence of a registrar or an appointed registering officer, and two witnesses.

For a marriage to be valid, at least one marrying person must be a member of the organization, with the other either a member or authorized under the organization's rules. A certificate confirming this must be produced. The bill also includes consequential amendments to the Marriage Act 1949 to incorporate the changes across its provisions.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, it will likely incur costs associated with administrative oversight of the authorized belief organizations, processing certifications, and any necessary adjustments to the Registrar General's systems.

Groups Affected

The British Humanist Association: Gains the legal ability to conduct marriages.
Other Belief Organizations: Could gain the ability to conduct marriages upon authorization from the Secretary of State.
Couples: Will have an additional option for solemnizing their marriage.
Registrars and Registering Officers: New roles and responsibilities under the amended act.
Government Departments (e.g., Home Office): Responsible for overseeing the process of authorizing new organizations and ensuring compliance.

Powered by nyModel